On November 2, 2005 at 4:45 p.m., Lance, made his gentle transition at home on Beacon Hill. Loved ones surrounded him.

We remember Lance for his Joyful Spirit, courage and generosity, and, mostly, for his gentle heart!

There will be a scattering of ashes on a spring day in June. Services will be announced here in SGN.

Remembrances may be made to Lifelong Alliance and Paws.t

KENNETH KENJI KAWASHIMA (TOKYO ROSE)

Longtime Seattle resident and a fixture at our local watering holes, Kenneth Kenji Kawashima (know to us as "Tokyo Rose") passed away November 7th, 2005 at a local hospital.

Employed by Jim Feigley (a local institution in his own rite) for three decades at the 611 Tavern & Crescent Lounge among other now defunct clubs like Mattie's Corner, Tokyo took great pride in the fact that he got to clean up after our nights of madness in the bars each morning before opening time. He worked for us almost up to the very end. Refusing to quit working, he showed up for duty until just five days before his passing.

Challenged from birth by a near complete hearing loss, Tokyo could never the less read your lips very well, carry on a conversation and never missed anything that was happening around him. He took great delight in being able to just hang out with the crowd at the bar to be part of it all after his work was completed.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, an infectious smile, but could equally well stare reapers into your back if you dared to sit on his barstool!

The Crescent plans to memorialize his spot at their bar with a mounted plaque at his place of honor amongst them.

Kenneth put up the bravest of battles with cancer over the past year and never once did he complain. Instead, he laughed and joked with the medical staff and cracked up his friends until his very last hours.

Kenneth is survived by his mother, Francis Kawashima and a brother in Petersburg, Alaska. Special gratitude must be given to Mr. Jim Feigley. Tokyo's large adopted Seattle family cannot thank him enough for the care and consideration he has extended to our beloved Tokyo Rose over the years.

A celebration of Tokyo's life will take place at The Crescent Lounge, 1413 East Olive Way in Seattle on Saturday, November 12th beginning at noon. Come raise a glass to our friend and share a story or two. He will be missed by us all. His favorite cocktails are on special all week so stop by and cheer his memory.

International Readers
We want to learn about you and have you tell us about Gay Life where you live. Please click here